Im a wwii reenactor and cobbler! At the front is considered to be one of the best reproducers of wwii us equipment. Their boots are known to be the best in the hobby. The pair you have is an older run (2000s- early 2010s) which were made out of the country in china and were known to be lacking in leather quality and sole mold accuracy. Their most recent run (2015-2021)was manufactured in the us in Tennessee. They are the best run of wwii us boots ever. The leather, construction, and rubber mold were all exact. They bought the rights to use the wwii last from the government to ensure it was as perfect as possible. They came in a reproduction box that they wouldve come in originally. They even came w original 40s army laces! They did cease production this past year due to the pandemic unfortunately, but plan to make their new run in mexico, where they currently manufacture their stellar line of german boots. As for the rubber sole Stitiching, it was sewn to the midsole then stitched to the welt. As for the nomenclature, the type 2 came out in the 30s to fix the errors of the type 1, which had a leather sole and was over built. Hope this was helpful!
My dad was a WWII vet and wore his boots for many years when working outside. Before he wore a hole in the top of the toe I remember he would take it to a shoe repair shop and that inner stitching was connected to the sole.
I think your assessment was spot on and I think you would have been perfectly ok to stich the sole to the leather. During the war effort, they would not have wasted their time doing anything faux... the inside stitching on the sole would have had a purpose and I think the obvious purpose would have been to stich that rubber sole to the leather. I am not an expert but I am a logical thinker. The historical restorations are my favorites.
Agreed, a second set of stitches would have helped to stop the outsole from coming off completely if the outer stitches failed. A soldier might break the outer stitches during action in the field and not get back to supply for weeks, so at least their sole wouldn't be flopping around too badly during that time.
Just a thought, could it be like we have on tires today, a signal that if those stiches are going to break, it is time to return the boots to the quatermaster for a pair of better/repaired/new. Just a thought, we always had our shoes inspected once a week before Friday leave, and if we did not cheng ed them and worn the sole to thin, we had to pay if they did not could have an easy repair.
I have a reproduction pair that's an exact duplicate of originals. The original name of these boots are Type II service shoes. Mine are the roughout style Every stitch has a purpose nothing is or was was just for looks. My pair need new heels and soles. Unfortunately they're not taking new orders right now.
So, I know I'm late to the party on this video, but I've only recently discovered your channel and have been binge watching the last couple days. I may have an answer to your nail pattern on these WW2 boots matching the nail pattern on Florsheim's. Both the boots and Florsheim's were manufactured at the Craddock Terry Shoe Co here in Lynchburg, VA. I know this, because the former shoe company is now a high end boutique hotel and each room features a shoe made there back in the day. Hope y'all see this comment and sheds light on tack pattern.
If shoemakers could win an Academy Award, y'all would definitely take home an Academy Award for Best Sound. The sounds you make are weirdly satisfying. 🤗
I doubt that many WWII troops would have seen their boots from the inside, so to speak. But I do admire not only your workmanship but also your desire for historic accuracy.
I have a pair of black Corcoran Jump Boots that I want the same thing done with, but for slightly different reason. The synthetic insole has no arch support and kills my feet. I've been wanting them rebuilt with leather insole.
Gentlemen, I went back through all your old videos to make sure I had hit the like button. I did miss a few, but got that corrected. Hope you hit your goal soon. Love the videos and greatful that you're keeping this trade alive.
Hello , great video ! These Type 2 service shoes are reproduction made by MIL-TEC ( logo on the heel outsole ) , a German company like US companies At The Front or WWII impressions . Supply for movies or reenacment . I usually go for US made , even i'm French , but this model is not anymore in production for ATF and others US companies . I was looking to these Mil-Tec and your video reassured me about the quality . Thank you !
I have the same pair of boots replicas as well same nail pattern and all, only difference instead of goodyear mine say light tread, as an army vet i got them wet and wore them till they dried, much like jungle boots, fit like a dream love the video.
I was number 273 this morning in the viewer queue and it made me think, the video had only been up for 10 minutes. You couldn't fill a movie theater that fast.
I'm a Marine so I don't know Army stuff that well. I thought the paratroopers got those and called them Corcorans. Or something like that. During my era they were black though. You guys did an awesome job.
My one reference US Army Uniforms of World War II by Shelby Stanton doesn't have too much on service shoes or field boots. It has more on experimental or specialized boots but you mentioned surprising quality. As with all products containing essential materials boots were affected also. Until they fell apart and Army footwear had to be reevaluated. 400K. I need to write down when I subscribe to a channel. I know you guys were fresh faced boys when I signed up, I think you were upper four figures at the time.
Hey! Great vid. Y’all did a pair of m1943 boots and old army pt shoes for me that turned out great! i just got a good looking original pair of these boots and was hoping to send y’all some pics and see if they might be a good candidate for a resole to get them wearable. Thanks!
Another great vid of re-crafting to absolutely appreciate!!! Personally believe the replica intent is to match the look; the inner stitching of the half-sole surely would have been through the leather out-sole (thinkin' pre-fabb'd), on the originals. The outer nails on the half-sole at all points seem to add re-enforcement to the stitching at stress points in such harsh application of war (push/pull - toeing, crawling, digging, climbing). Just my thought/opinion; doesn't mean I'm right!!! Looking for the next fabulous re-craft!!!! Be Safe
Always found it interesting how there's nails on boots/shoes but you don't feel them or they somehow work their way up into your foot over time because it looks like they are just a few millimeters away
You guys did a great job on these. I have a pair of brown Corcoran 1510 jump boots from about 2010 that are very similar to the boots you have in this video, except that the leather uppers on the jump boots extend higher up the calf. But they have the same US Army rubber half sole. When I need to get them resoled I'm definitely sending them to you guys.
What a great Channel, and satisfying job! I can watch this for hours, so relaxing and educational. When I retire from the Swedish Army I will apply for an internship with a cobbler just for fun. Although we have a somewhat different market here in Europe I still get very good knowledge from your reviews and recommendations for different shoe brands. The fact that I love your culture in the US-South is the final icing on the cake. PEACE from Sweden!
Good morning guys. Hope the new year is going well for you so far. These boots look as if they are constructed much the same as Corcorran jump boots. Have you guys ever worked on a pair of those before ?
This boot does look rather close to the Corcorin dress boot that the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Forces wear today, and that may only be for the fact that the WWII uniform style has inspired the current "Class A" uniform. Although, 10" is the standard measurement to the top of the boot, where the uniform trousers are bloused.
He said "disclosure" I think he meant disclaimer. 🤣 13:30 They are such great cobblers. 14:25 "I'm trying to fa-nay-gul these so they don't over hang."
This video reminds me of the Army boots my dad had when I was a kid. They looked the same but they were black and I don't think they were Corcorans. I remember that he said some brown boots were still being issued when he first joined and they were a pain to dye black.
Why do I love watching these videos so much??? Doesn't matter either way. Have had my boots re-heeled and re-soled so many times I could not count. Could you guys do a walk thru on your equipment, what it does, how it works and how old it is? I would also be curious to know if you can buy new equipment to do the same job or is the old stuff the best. Thanks for all of the great vides guys.
I think we did a video on most of our equipment a year or so ago. It should pull up if you do a search for it. Not sure if you’re on Instagram, but we did a recent post telling about our equipment. @potterandsons on Instagram
Another interesting video. Can I tell you something? Awhile back you had a guy from France talking about different brands of shoes .One of the brands was Herring. I got a pair of chukka boots from them. Lovely looking boots. (My dentist even complemented me on them last fall.) Comfortable and, as far as I can tell, very well made.I am ordering a pair of black loafers from them now. Ordering from England went very smoothly. Thanks for directing me to the Herring brand!
We’re glad to hear the video helped and that you’re enjoying your shoes from Herring. That video was with Hugo Jacomet. Definitely check out his channel as well, as it’s filled with great info.
I've seen another pair of boots either on Tring Shoe Repair's channel or possibly on Rose Anvil's channel where the half sole was taken apart and it was definitely stitched to the leather midsole. That's not to say that I wouldn't have done the same thing if I were in your situation and unsure though!
At this point, I'm convinced that these two could fully restore Principal Ed Rooney's Rottweiler eaten shoes from the final scene of Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Wow! Posted 1min ago...I almost missed it! 😁 I used to wear my Dad's Korean War boots...I was pretty small...they were pretty big! They are long gone, however. Good morning, John C...
As many times as I watch these, I still worry when you are cutting that you'll slice your hand... and it boggles my mind that I have nails on the bottom of my shoes pointed towards my feet.
Hey, this might be an odd question, but i was wondering if nubuck can be made smooth like full grain leather again, or atleast smoother. Without getting it considerably darker.
Hi Guys, I've seen a lot of your videos and it's probably a dumb question, but I have always wondered about the nails you use and how they don't come through the inner sole? Are they just the right length that they don't protrude?
We may have to do a short video on this, as we receive this question all the time. The reason you won’t feel a nail on your foot is because of the metal anvils we work on. When a nail is hammered, the sharp tip hits the metal anvil and crimps over.
I’ve just purchased my first pair of leather boots, they are Allen Edmonds discovery boot in cognac, I’m completely new to this and I was wondering if you could advice me of what products I should get to take care of them such as brushes and polishes or anything else I may need
I saw on Rose Anvil that Nicks stopped doing that inside Blake stitch because they got complaints about rubbing on the toes. So considering the fellow was looking for comfort on the insole, not going through was probably the best choice.
since its for reenactment, i guess its ok to deviate from the original for more comfort and reliability. In fact since this is a reproduction piece, you are right in pointing out how accurate the reproduction is.
Goodyear made the soles, They were stitched and Nailed both toe and shank area... I know you guys are Rose Anvil fans.. He got a pair of made in 1944 old boots and cut them in half.. you wana see how they were made.. best video I know and its totally interesting.
Great work gentlemen 👍👍- since ww2 wasn't my war - 1968 Marines, our boots had mesh/leather uppers with thick rubber soles and heels, at least mine did, at any way u did a great job restoring these boots
I’d love to find some shoes from the mid 19th century Western Mass. My 3rd ggf was a shoemaker in North Adams, MA/Pownal, VT after serving in the Civil War.
I really do enjoy your videos , Everything today is mass produced , Both of you explaining everything you are doing , Along with the history of the footwear is so intriguing and informative . Plus I enjoy watching you work with your hands ( No conveyor belt - assembly line ) LOL , please keep up with the videos , and what ever happened to that F.N.G. , I seen on one of your other videos , in the shop ?
I can only add a comment on the uppers. According to my father-in-law, who was in the Army during WWII, when they were issued their first pair of boots, they were very rough on the surface and the G.I. was responsible for working the leather into smooth and shiny boots. Just as an aside, he was sent to Tehran, Iran to help supply Russia with US war material in the Lend-Lease program.
There was a time when we would have what is traditionally known as the "jungle boot" modified for specific purposes, e.g. that aggressive tooth sole or heel for the Air Assault troop or the added padding that the South Korean cobblers used to build in for the Airborne Paratroopers.
Even in the 80's the Koreans made some great boots. Way better than issue. We got custom-made boots after going to Korean Ranger school. Of course the Marine Corps said they weren't issue so we couldn't wear them. LOL
I’ve been really trying to figure out if the original service boot specifically had a toe cap or not. I’ve seen both versions with and without. Also trying to figure out if they came in black as opposed to only brown.
You're looking at the boots wrong. During the war these boots came in A LOT of variations depending on the year and service branch. There were some that were more commen and some were rare. Cap toe, no captoe. Brown, rarely black mostly Navy, roughout captoe, roughtout no captoe. 6", 10", double buckle, etc.
"Built to Last." Maybe not. I have been doing research on military footwear. In much of WW 2 Marines wore Field Shoes. They were shoes and Marines wore leggings to keep out dirt and sand. (Japanese soldiers referred to Marines as "Yellow Legs".) I read and article that explained that during war time the field shoes were only meant to last about 3 months. The reason was that Marines weren't expected to last more than 3 months. Extra material that went into a well built shoe would just be a waste. If a Marine was lucky enough to outlast their shoe....well...they would just be issued a new pair of shoes. A tough policy but logistics and materials is an essential part of winning a war. So...when I was a Marine in the 90's, our boots were very well made (glad to say). They were vulcanized construction and could be resoled several times. I think that vulcanized construction was a sort of revolution that made quality boots cheap to make. I know that most of my boots were about $38 a pair....I also know that most of them were tied together and left hanging over power lines at Camp Lejeune and 29 Palms when I got transferred!
Im a wwii reenactor and cobbler!
At the front is considered to be one of the best reproducers of wwii us equipment.
Their boots are known to be the best in the hobby.
The pair you have is an older run (2000s- early 2010s) which were made out of the country in china and were known to be lacking in leather quality and sole mold accuracy.
Their most recent run (2015-2021)was manufactured in the us in Tennessee. They are the best run of wwii us boots ever.
The leather, construction, and rubber mold were all exact. They bought the rights to use the wwii last from the government to ensure it was as perfect as possible. They came in a reproduction box that they wouldve come in originally. They even came w original 40s army laces!
They did cease production this past year due to the pandemic unfortunately, but plan to make their new run in mexico, where they currently manufacture their stellar line of german boots.
As for the rubber sole Stitiching, it was sewn to the midsole then stitched to the welt.
As for the nomenclature, the type 2 came out in the 30s to fix the errors of the type 1, which had a leather sole and was over built.
Hope this was helpful!
Makes you wonder why he didn't just buy a new pair?
@@Tonks143 Because they cost $600 www.atthefront.com/Reproduction-WWII-Service-Shoes-Made-in-USA-p/usfssrt.htm
My dad was a WWII vet and wore his boots for many years when working outside. Before he wore a hole in the top of the toe I remember he would take it to a shoe repair shop and that inner stitching was connected to the sole.
I think your assessment was spot on and I think you would have been perfectly ok to stich the sole to the leather. During the war effort, they would not have wasted their time doing anything faux... the inside stitching on the sole would have had a purpose and I think the obvious purpose would have been to stich that rubber sole to the leather. I am not an expert but I am a logical thinker. The historical restorations are my favorites.
Agreed
Agreed, a second set of stitches would have helped to stop the outsole from coming off completely if the outer stitches failed. A soldier might break the outer stitches during action in the field and not get back to supply for weeks, so at least their sole wouldn't be flopping around too badly during that time.
Please add my agreement to the view that the stitch was functional. A faux stitch by WWII army contractors does not make sense.
Just a thought, could it be like we have on tires today, a signal that if those stiches are going to break, it is time to return the boots to the quatermaster for a pair of better/repaired/new. Just a thought, we always had our shoes inspected once a week before Friday leave, and if we did not cheng ed them and worn the sole to thin, we had to pay if they did not could have an easy repair.
I have a reproduction pair that's an exact duplicate of originals. The original name of these boots are Type II service shoes. Mine are the roughout style Every stitch has a purpose nothing is or was was just for looks. My pair need new heels and soles. Unfortunately they're not taking new orders right now.
So, I know I'm late to the party on this video, but I've only recently discovered your channel and have been binge watching the last couple days. I may have an answer to your nail pattern on these WW2 boots matching the nail pattern on Florsheim's. Both the boots and Florsheim's were manufactured at the Craddock Terry Shoe Co here in Lynchburg, VA. I know this, because the former shoe company is now a high end boutique hotel and each room features a shoe made there back in the day. Hope y'all see this comment and sheds light on tack pattern.
If shoemakers could win an Academy Award, y'all would definitely take home an Academy Award for Best Sound. The sounds you make are weirdly satisfying. 🤗
😁 Thank you!
@@TrentonHeath You're welcome. Love your vids.
I doubt that many WWII troops would have seen their boots from the inside, so to speak. But I do admire not only your workmanship but also your desire for historic accuracy.
Florshiem had a contract with the DOD. And you are correct. The stitches were all the way through the shoe.
Nothing like Saturday morning coffee and watching these artisans do great work. Awesome job!
I guess I’m just weird, but when he is cutting that insole with that rolling cutter Is just so satisfying
Well, the stitching through the thickness of the leather and out the edge of the insole sure blew my mind. Very impressive!!
I have a pair of black Corcoran Jump Boots that I want the same thing done with, but for slightly different reason. The synthetic insole has no arch support and kills my feet. I've been wanting them rebuilt with leather insole.
Gentlemen, I went back through all your old videos to make sure I had hit the like button. I did miss a few, but got that corrected. Hope you hit your goal soon. Love the videos and greatful that you're keeping this trade alive.
What a guy!! Thanks so much, Chris! We always appreciate you watching.
Nail pattern - it’s possible that Florsheim had the contract for military boots during WWII.
That’s what I was thinking. I’m sure many American shoe companies were contributing to the war effort, just like companies making small arms.
Hello , great video ! These Type 2 service shoes are reproduction made by MIL-TEC ( logo on the heel outsole ) , a German company like US companies At The Front or WWII impressions . Supply for movies or reenacment . I usually go for US made , even i'm French , but this model is not anymore in production for ATF and others US companies . I was looking to these Mil-Tec and your video reassured me about the quality . Thank you !
I have the same pair of boots replicas as well same nail pattern and all, only difference instead of goodyear mine say light tread, as an army vet i got them wet and wore them till they dried, much like jungle boots, fit like a dream love the video.
Great job and excellent video on these boots. Kinda the original Iron Ranger boots.
I'm smiling as I watch this because the stitch spacing would drive me nuts too! It's all good!
Yes. On the original there were real stitches! I have done many
I was number 273 this morning in the viewer queue and it made me think, the video had only been up for 10 minutes. You couldn't fill a movie theater that fast.
That looked frustrating not knowing but yall made it look easy! Also just conditioner on the uppers really makes a big difference ❤❤
I'm a Marine so I don't know Army stuff that well. I thought the paratroopers got those and called them Corcorans. Or something like that. During my era they were black though. You guys did an awesome job.
Jump boots and a type two are way different types.
Not way different. Both are cap toed, steel shank, welt, without rugged Vibram type soles.
I had a pair of Corcorans just like them, pretty slick looking and slick off pavement
My one reference US Army Uniforms of World War II by Shelby Stanton doesn't have too much on service shoes or field boots. It has more on experimental or specialized boots but you mentioned surprising quality. As with all products containing essential materials boots were affected also. Until they fell apart and Army footwear had to be reevaluated.
400K. I need to write down when I subscribe to a channel. I know you guys were fresh faced boys when I signed up, I think you were upper four figures at the time.
Wow, you’ve been watching for a while now! We really appreciate it.
Hey! Great vid.
Y’all did a pair of m1943 boots and old army pt shoes for me that turned out great! i just got a good looking original pair of these boots and was hoping to send y’all some pics and see if they might be a good candidate for a resole to get them wearable.
Thanks!
Another great vid of re-crafting to absolutely appreciate!!! Personally believe the replica intent is to match the look; the inner stitching of the half-sole surely would have been through the leather out-sole (thinkin' pre-fabb'd), on the originals. The outer nails on the half-sole at all points seem to add re-enforcement to the stitching at stress points in such harsh application of war (push/pull - toeing, crawling, digging, climbing). Just my thought/opinion; doesn't mean I'm right!!! Looking for the next fabulous re-craft!!!! Be Safe
Amazing that when we got used boots in the military you can use hot water soaked in and let the boot dry to your feet, then it’s comfortable.
that’s how soldiers did that to the brand new Combat Boots that they were issued, because they were all black leather boots with hard rubber soles
@@JohnH20111 yup we did it with ours in the 80s and 90s until they got the new rough out boots
No shame on the stitching. You all do awesome work. Enjoy watching all your videos.
Always found it interesting how there's nails on boots/shoes but you don't feel them or they somehow work their way up into your foot over time because it looks like they are just a few millimeters away
You guys did a great job on these. I have a pair of brown Corcoran 1510 jump boots from about 2010 that are very similar to the boots you have in this video, except that the leather uppers on the jump boots extend higher up the calf. But they have the same US Army rubber half sole. When I need to get them resoled I'm definitely sending them to you guys.
Corcorans & Double H Jump Boots are great boots, because i had a pair of Double H Jump Boots
What a great Channel, and satisfying job! I can watch this for hours, so relaxing and educational. When I retire from the Swedish Army I will apply for an internship with a cobbler just for fun. Although we have a somewhat different market here in Europe I still get very good knowledge from your reviews and recommendations for different shoe brands. The fact that I love your culture in the US-South is the final icing on the cake. PEACE from Sweden!
Thank you so much for watching! Glad to hear you enjoy the content. 🇸🇪
Good repair, getting them back close to how they were constructed
Awesome video. Great way to start my Saturday with a cup of coffee and your video.
Phenomenal work, as always! Have a GREAT 2023!
Those boots are made by HH Brown which is a parent company to Double H it would be cool if they where still made in the states.
That's a pretty solidly built boot. Love these old boot vids. Nice rebuild.
Good morning guys. Hope the new year is going well for you so far. These boots look as if they are constructed much the same as Corcorran jump boots. Have you guys ever worked on a pair of those before ?
This boot does look rather close to the Corcorin dress boot that the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Forces wear today, and that may only be for the fact that the WWII uniform style has inspired the current "Class A" uniform. Although, 10" is the standard measurement to the top of the boot, where the uniform trousers are bloused.
Corcoran*
He said "disclosure" I think he meant disclaimer. 🤣 13:30
They are such great cobblers.
14:25 "I'm trying to fa-nay-gul these so they don't over hang."
This video reminds me of the Army boots my dad had when I was a kid. They looked the same but they were black and I don't think they were Corcorans. I remember that he said some brown boots were still being issued when he first joined and they were a pain to dye black.
i still have my black corcorans (jump boots)
Great job on these boots! Great video once again!!!!!!!
This is so labor intensive! Very impressive
Great pair of boots. Would love to know what they would sell for after the rebuild...
Why do I love watching these videos so much??? Doesn't matter either way. Have had my boots re-heeled and re-soled so many times I could not count. Could you guys do a walk thru on your equipment, what it does, how it works and how old it is? I would also be curious to know if you can buy new equipment to do the same job or is the old stuff the best. Thanks for all of the great vides guys.
I think we did a video on most of our equipment a year or so ago. It should pull up if you do a search for it. Not sure if you’re on Instagram, but we did a recent post telling about our equipment. @potterandsons on Instagram
@@TrentonHeath thank you. I will do some searching.
It's always nice to watch your videos most especially when it includes a history behind it.
Are those a pair of Russell Moccasin Backcountry’s in the background? 11:55
Another interesting video. Can I tell you something? Awhile back you had a guy from France talking about different brands of shoes .One of the brands was Herring. I got a pair of chukka boots from them. Lovely looking boots. (My dentist even complemented me on them last fall.) Comfortable and, as far as I can tell, very well made.I am ordering a pair of black loafers from them now. Ordering from England went very smoothly. Thanks for directing me to the Herring brand!
We’re glad to hear the video helped and that you’re enjoying your shoes from Herring. That video was with Hugo Jacomet. Definitely check out his channel as well, as it’s filled with great info.
There are no sandals on your website. BTW, outstanding shoe work. I have learned so much about cobbling. Thanxx
Another great video! Thanks guys!
Thanks! We appreciate you watching.
I don't get how you nail into the sole of the shoe without stabbing into the foot. Please explain or point to the video where you do explain 11:06
Im sorry if it's too late but the nail gets curved by the metal base where is placed the boot
Great video guys! A soldier would be honored to fight in those boots!
Awesome job , love watching your vids, been watching u guys for awhile now, keep up the great work
Was the rubber sole possibly stitched to the leather sole before it was glued and stitched to the welt?
The historic restorations are awesome.
I've seen another pair of boots either on Tring Shoe Repair's channel or possibly on Rose Anvil's channel where the half sole was taken apart and it was definitely stitched to the leather midsole. That's not to say that I wouldn't have done the same thing if I were in your situation and unsure though!
At this point, I'm convinced that these two could fully restore Principal Ed Rooney's Rottweiler eaten shoes from the final scene of Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
I find this rebuilding of a boot very interesting
How do I send my boots in to get repaired I have a pair of Red wings I love and hate breaking in New boots. Great channel . Thanks
Thats a great looking pair of boots❤
Wow! Posted 1min ago...I almost missed it! 😁
I used to wear my Dad's Korean War boots...I was pretty small...they were pretty big! They are long gone, however.
Good morning, John C...
Good morning! We appreciate you watching and sharing about your dads old boots.
Молодцы! Всегда с удовольствием смотрю. Спасибо.
howdy fellas great work ! true pro's and real gentlemen oh i just picked up black pair..just distressed em with acetone 🎉new love
I would imagine that there was a reason for the nail pattern. Great video btw!
Since the outer leather needs to be conditioned on occasion, does the leather insole need to be conditioned?
As many times as I watch these, I still worry when you are cutting that you'll slice your hand... and it boggles my mind that I have nails on the bottom of my shoes pointed towards my feet.
Good video nice work on boots thanks
Hey, this might be an odd question, but i was wondering if nubuck can be made smooth like full grain leather again, or atleast smoother. Without getting it considerably darker.
Do you work on golf shoes?
My favorite ecco’s are in dire need of a resole.
Great videos!!
Hi Guys, I've seen a lot of your videos and it's probably a dumb question, but I have always wondered about the nails you use and how they don't come through the inner sole? Are they just the right length that they don't protrude?
We may have to do a short video on this, as we receive this question all the time. The reason you won’t feel a nail on your foot is because of the metal anvils we work on. When a nail is hammered, the sharp tip hits the metal anvil and crimps over.
@@TrentonHeath Thank you for the quick response, that makes sense and a short video would be great!
I’ve just purchased my first pair of leather boots, they are Allen Edmonds discovery boot in cognac, I’m completely new to this and I was wondering if you could advice me of what products I should get to take care of them such as brushes and polishes or anything else I may need
Florsheim was a supplier of army boots during WW2, which may explain the nail pattern.
I saw on Rose Anvil that Nicks stopped doing that inside Blake stitch because they got complaints about rubbing on the toes. So considering the fellow was looking for comfort on the insole, not going through was probably the best choice.
Guys! You're the best! I will send you my ww2 US paratrooper boots soon.
Awesome job!
Was counter & toe puff leather here? I didn’t see if was?
could the thread stitched just through the sole be there to allow it the midsole to breath and dry out? but not allow in dirt/mud?
Finagle in Mississippi and Finangle in Tennessee?
Was your client happy with the work you did? Super job.
since its for reenactment, i guess its ok to deviate from the original for more comfort and reliability. In fact since this is a reproduction piece, you are right in pointing out how accurate the reproduction is.
Goodyear made the soles, They were stitched and Nailed both toe and shank area... I know you guys are Rose Anvil fans.. He got a pair of made in 1944 old boots and cut them in half.. you wana see how they were made.. best video I know and its totally interesting.
Great work gentlemen 👍👍- since ww2 wasn't my war - 1968 Marines, our boots had mesh/leather uppers with thick rubber soles and heels, at least mine did, at any way u did a great job restoring these boots
Thanks for another cool historical project - you two rock!
I just love it when you guys post!
Thanks! We appreciate you watching.
Another one! Great job guys!
Great work, as always!
Thank you!
Awesome work. Love the war,or reproduction style boots. Always look forward to your videos.
Another great video. These were well made and I'd imagine will last a good long time for their owner now.
I’d love to find some shoes from the mid 19th century Western Mass. My 3rd ggf was a shoemaker in North Adams, MA/Pownal, VT after serving in the Civil War.
I really do enjoy your videos , Everything today is mass produced , Both of you explaining everything you are doing , Along with the history of the footwear is so intriguing and informative .
Plus I enjoy watching you work with your hands ( No conveyor belt - assembly line ) LOL , please keep up with the videos , and what ever happened to that F.N.G. , I seen on one of your other videos , in the shop ?
amazing work! respect from colleagues in the handmade shoemaking🔨
where do you get one of the channel knives you used at around 9 minutes in?
I can only add a comment on the uppers. According to my father-in-law, who was in the Army during WWII, when they were issued their first pair of boots, they were very rough on the surface and the G.I. was responsible for working the leather into smooth and shiny boots. Just as an aside, he was sent to Tehran, Iran to help supply Russia with US war material in the Lend-Lease program.
His boots were the Type 3 service shoe which used roughout leather
Nice work ! I'd probably say if I was owner of boots stitch em all the way through. 😊 great videos 😊
There was a time when we would have what is traditionally known as the "jungle boot" modified for specific purposes, e.g. that aggressive tooth sole or heel for the Air Assault troop or the added padding that the South Korean cobblers used to build in for the Airborne Paratroopers.
Even in the 80's the Koreans made some great boots. Way better than issue. We got custom-made boots after going to Korean Ranger school. Of course the Marine Corps said they weren't issue so we couldn't wear them. LOL
I’ve been really trying to figure out if the original service boot specifically had a toe cap or not. I’ve seen both versions with and without. Also trying to figure out if they came in black as opposed to only brown.
You're looking at the boots wrong. During the war these boots came in A LOT of variations depending on the year and service branch. There were some that were more commen and some were rare. Cap toe, no captoe. Brown, rarely black mostly Navy, roughout captoe, roughtout no captoe. 6", 10", double buckle, etc.
Where did you get these Goodyear heel?
Such a great video!!
Awesome job they look amazing!
"Built to Last." Maybe not. I have been doing research on military footwear. In much of WW 2 Marines wore Field Shoes. They were shoes and Marines wore leggings to keep out dirt and sand. (Japanese soldiers referred to Marines as "Yellow Legs".) I read and article that explained that during war time the field shoes were only meant to last about 3 months. The reason was that Marines weren't expected to last more than 3 months. Extra material that went into a well built shoe would just be a waste. If a Marine was lucky enough to outlast their shoe....well...they would just be issued a new pair of shoes. A tough policy but logistics and materials is an essential part of winning a war. So...when I was a Marine in the 90's, our boots were very well made (glad to say). They were vulcanized construction and could be resoled several times. I think that vulcanized construction was a sort of revolution that made quality boots cheap to make. I know that most of my boots were about $38 a pair....I also know that most of them were tied together and left hanging over power lines at Camp Lejeune and 29 Palms when I got transferred!
Very nice job.
Good job